AHOSKIE – The safety of local children who frequent an Ahoskie playground will cost the town over $3,000.

But in the eyes of the Ahoskie Town Council, it’s money well spent.

The Community Playground in Ahoskie, located on the property of the Town of Ahoskie’s Recreation Center, will be closed temporarily from July 25-29. During that time, an independent contractor will be removing rotting trees and debris from the property.

Town Council members were updated during their June meeting that several trees located at the park were showing signs of decay, thus posing an eventual hazard to those using the popular playground.

Tony Hammond, Ahoskie Town Manager, informed Council members that he and Ahoskie Recreation Director Dennis Everett would check into the situation.

Reporting back to Council members at last week’s regular meeting, Hammond reported finding 13 dead trees at the playground.

“These are rather large trees, each a cause for concern for the safety of the children using the playground,” Hammond said. “If left as they are, these trees will eventually fall, threatening bodily harm to the children as well as causing damage to the playground equipment.”

Hammond recommended the trees be removed as soon as possible. The cost to the town was a shade over $3,300.

Council members unanimously agreed to spend the money and urged Hammond to have the work performed immediately, which will take place July 25-29.

All residents of the community are reminded that the park will not be open to the public during this time.